Arita Ware "The Town of Arita"

Overseas Exports
Exports of Arita ware to overseas markets began in 1647. After exports from China became unstable after the transition from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, Arita ware became popular as a replacement for Chinese ware in both domestic Japanese markets as well as overseas (in Asia and Europe.) To meet the demands of new markets, Arita kilns produced work in a variety of styles. In addition to Chinese style designs, an increasing amount of work with Japanese designs was fired.

After 1684, however, as the Chinese political situation stabilized, exports from China were resumed and Jingdezhen and other Chinese porcelain quickly regained its share of the overseas market. In 1757, the Dutch East India Company terminated its official export business, and Arita kilns turned their attention to establishing domestic markets, stimulating domestic demand, and boosting domestic sales of their ware. As the diet of ordinary Japanese improved, more pottery with simplified designs was produced to be used by common people, and during the Edo era Arita ware made for daily life began to play an increasing role in their lives.